Organisers of a new recycling initiative are asking students to take photographs that illustrate the importance of caring for the planet, then post them on social websites to help spread the green message.

These pictures could include people doing their bit for the environment, for example using recycling bins.

Children from 22 schools were sent on a five-day training programme at the end of last month. There, they were taught how to capture striking images and use them to promote sustainable living.

The move is part of the National Environment Agency’s new Thank You For Recycling initiative, which aims to give credit to those who are already making sure their rubbish is not wasted and motivate others not yet doing so. A youth committee will also be formed by year end to come up with schemes to promote environmental causes such as recycling.

Recycling programmes are common in our schools (preschools, primary, secondary and tertiary levels), and they are usually initiated by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or by the school administration.

Recycling bins and recyclables collection are usually provided by the public waste collectors who are in charge of collecting waste from the schools, or by recycling contractors. You can recycle at school using the recycling bins available.

If there is no recycling programme in your school, send a request to your school administration and ask them to increase awareness on recycling and install recycling bins. For more information on school recycling and support from NEA, call 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632) or email Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg.

Recycling at Preschools

Under the 3R Programme for Preschools, children in kindergartens and childcare centers can deposit their recyclables in recycling bins. NEA also provides awareness kits for teachers to introduce fun educational activities for the children to learn more about the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).

Recycling at Primary and Secondary Schools

For primary and secondary schools, there is usually a Recycling Corner in each school where students can use the recycling bins and learn more about recycling through the educational materials placed there.

Recycling at Junior Colleges, ITEs, Polytechnics and Universities

For tertiary schools, there are usually several sets of recycling bins placed at strategic locations throughout the school or campus.